Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
If you’re like me and love the comfort of pizza but crave a cozy, handheld twist, this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine all those classic pizza flavors wrapped up in a warm, gooey, portable pie — perfect for a casual dinner or a fun weekend treat. The beauty of this recipe is how it simplifies the process while still delivering that satisfying pizza taste we all adore.
What I really enjoy about this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re feeding kids, throwing a game day party, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these pot pies shine every time. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to make pizza feel homemade without the fuss of rolling out dough for a traditional pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a filling that’s bursting with classic pizza flavors and a crust that’s golden and flaky. Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time but feel free to make your own if you have the extra minutes — it’s worth the effort!
- Pizza Dough: I usually grab refrigerated dough for convenience, but fresh homemade dough elevates the flavor and texture.
- Marinara Sauce or Pizza Sauce: Choose a sauce you love because this really sets the flavor foundation. Homemade or store-bought works.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer taste; pre-shredded is fine too in a pinch.
- Pepperoni Slices: Classic topping, but feel free to swap with sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to suit your taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty punch that complements the mozzarella well.
- Dried Oregano: Keeps that authentic Italian vibe in every bite.
- Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer that’s subtle but essential.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a gentle warmth without overpowering the other spices.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Great if you like a little heat — add as much or as little as you prefer.
- Olive Oil (for brushing, optional): Helps the crust turn golden and crisp up nicely in the oven.
Variations
I love playing around with this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge. You can make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or tweaking the seasoning mix. Feel free to experiment — that’s the fun of it!
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers — my go-to when friends with dietary preferences come over.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery twist that wakes up the palate.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing the pot pie fun.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add sharp cheddar or provolone for a richer, creamier filling — I often do this when I’m feeling indulgent.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Filling
Start by combining the marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute the spices and toppings. Pro tip: taste the sauce before mixing in the cheese — if it tastes a bit bland, add a pinch of salt or a splash of olive oil to amp it up.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Next, take your pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into rounds or squares large enough to fill your ramekins or muffin tins with enough overlap to seal the pot pies. I love using ramekins for a nice individual presentation, but muffin tins work well too and are easier when you want mini pot pies.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
Place a dough piece into your prepared dish, spoon in a good amount of the filling, then cover with another piece of dough. Press edges firmly to seal — you don’t want any sauce escaping during baking! For a prettier touch, crimp with a fork or pinch with your fingers. Brush the tops with olive oil for that perfect golden glow.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake your pot pies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark — oven temps vary, and you don’t want to overcook. Once done, let them cool a few minutes so the filling firms up slightly; this keeps you from burning your mouth on molten cheese.
How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and some fresh basil leaves on top right after baking to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for a gourmet flare — surprisingly delicious!
Side Dishes
For sides, I love pairing my Pizza Pot Pies with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the cheese’s richness. Garlic breadsticks or a light vegetable soup also make a cozy combo that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to make mini pot pies using a muffin tin—they look adorable and guests enjoy the individual portions. You can also score the top dough with little slits or fun patterns before baking to give them a rustic, bakery-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pot pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up surprisingly well because the crust stays somewhat crisp thanks to the enclosed shape—which is always a win when reheating.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze these! After assembling but before baking, arrange the pies on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. I find this really handy for quick dinners on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the pot pies into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm through and crisp up the crust again. Microwaving works but winds up making the crust a bit soggy, so I avoid that when I can.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and not too thin, so it holds the filling without leaking.
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What are some good vegetarian toppings for Pizza Pot Pies?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, and artichoke hearts are fantastic vegetarian options. You can mix and match based on what you have or prefer.
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Can I make Pizza Pot Pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking. This makes weeknight dinners much easier since you can bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
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How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking helps create a moisture barrier. Also, make sure not to overfill the pies and bake them at a hot enough temperature so the crust crisps up quickly.
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What can I serve alongside Pizza Pot Pies?
A fresh green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a light tomato soup are great companions that balance the richness of the pot pies perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is truly a gem in my recipe collection, combining all the beloved flavors of pizza with the cozy comfort of a pot pie. I hope you give it a try — I promise it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, once you start experimenting with toppings and presentation, it becomes a delightful kitchen adventure you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Print
Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual pot pies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delight in these savory Pizza Pot Pies that combine the classic flavors of pizza with a comforting, individual-serving pot pie format. Featuring a flaky pizza dough crust loaded with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs, these pot pies are perfect as a fun appetizer or a satisfying meal for pizza lovers.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pot pies.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface, then cut into circles large enough to fill your individual pot pie molds or ramekins.
- Assemble the Pot Pies: Place a dough circle into each pot pie dish, pressing it down gently to cover the base and sides. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce into the dough-lined mold, then evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese and your choice of pepperoni or other toppings. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Top with Dough: Cover the filling with another dough circle, pressing the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to secure.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top of each pot pie with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Bake the Pot Pies: Place the prepared pot pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pot pies to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the molds to avoid burns and to let the filling set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Use homemade pizza dough for a fresher taste or substitute with gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- For a slightly crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom dough layer for 3-5 minutes before adding the filling.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- These pot pies reheat well in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: pizza pot pies, individual pizza pies, pizza dough recipes, easy pizza, baked pizza cups, appetizers
